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Overview

Estradiol and Premarin are two prescription hormone
therapy drugs. They’re primarily used to relieve symptoms of menopause. They
have the same purpose, but estradiol and Premarin differ in formulation and
uses.

About estradiol and Premarin

Estradiol is the most potent natural estrogen
made in the body during the reproductive years. Symptoms of menopause may be
caused by a natural decrease in these estrogen levels. Medical formulations of
estradiol can help relieve symptoms of menopause. Estradiol may be prescribed
for:

hot flashes

osteoporosis
prevention (after menopause)

vaginal dryness

vaginal burning

Estradiol is also used for comfort care in
serious cases of breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Premarin, on the other hand, is the brand
name of a conjugated estrogen. Conjugated estrogen is also a medical
formulation. It’s a mixture of several types of estrogens.

Premarin is sometimes called a conjugated equine estrogen because it’s made from horse hormones.

Premarin, like estradiol, is used to provide
comfort to patients with serious forms of breast cancer or prostate cancer. It’s
also used to treat the same symptoms of menopause that estradiol does. Further,
it’s also sometimes prescribed for abnormal uterine bleeding.

Drug features

Both drugs come in several forms. Premarin and
estradiol are both available as an intramuscular injection or oral tablet.
Premarin also comes as an intravenous injection and vaginal cream. Estradiol
also comes in these forms:

transdermal spray

transdermal gel

transdermal patch

vaginal ring

Several versions of estradiol are
transdermal. This means that the medication is absorbed through your skin.

Potential risks and side effects

You should thoroughly discuss the potential
side effects of every drug you take with your doctor before using it, including
estradiol or Premarin. After you start taking estradiol or Premarin, report any
side effects to your doctor.

Side effects

Some common side effects of both estradiol
and Premarin include:

abdominal pain

breast changes and
pain

back pain

depression or mood
changes

dizziness

dry mouth

headaches

high blood pressure

increased heart rate

insomnia

stomach upset

vaginal discharge

Taking Premarin may cause these additional common
side effects:

hair loss

skin rashes

double vision

partial or complete
vision loss

Risks and interactions

Herbal supplements, over-the-counter
medications, and other prescription drugs may all interact with hormone
therapy. Make sure to tell your doctor if you’re taking any of these
substances. Drug interactions may increase your risk of side effects and
complications.

Talk to your doctor

Because of hormone therapy, women may not
have to experience the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. The key is finding the
right drug, dosage, and form.

Both estradiol and Premarin require careful
monitoring. Additional progesterone treatment may be required for women who
haven’t had hysterectomies. It’s important to discuss all of the hormone
therapy options with your doctor. Remember to report any unusual side effects
immediately.